The Russells—father Jimmy and son Eddie—are the highlight of a visit to this distillery perched on a Kentucky River hillside in picturesque Anderson County. If they’re not on the property, you’ll meet them in a heartwarming video that tells their lifelong love affair with making top-notch bourbon.

A recently opened visitor center—a black structure of wood and glass—evokes the tobacco barns that once stored Kentucky’s other great vice. Just outside, you’ll

have a sweeping view of the Kentucky River and Young’s High Bridge, which once carried trains across the 300-foot-deep gorge but now serves as a launching platform for bungee jumpers. I’ll stick to the bourbon.